Article
Immunology
Caixia Tan, Fei Zhu, Yuanyuan Xiao, Yuqi Wu, Xiujuan Meng, Sidi Liu, Ting Liu, Siyao Chen, Juan Zhou, Chunhui Li, Anhua Wu
Summary: In this study, a multi-epitope vaccine against Clostridium difficile was designed using computer methods. The vaccine was able to induce immune response against both spore and propagule forms of the pathogen. The structure of the vaccine was predicted and validated, and its interaction with immune receptors was analyzed through docking and simulation. The findings suggest that the formulated vaccine shows promise against C. difficile, but further research is needed for verification.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica M. Chisholm, Papanin Putsathit, Thomas V. Riley, Su-Chen Lim
Summary: This study reveals the common presence of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Western Australia, which are being released into the environment and becoming a potential source/reservoir for community-associated C. difficile infection (CA-CDI).
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Karla Cautivo-Reyes, Daniel R. Knight, Deborah Bowie, Benjamin Moreira-Grez, Andrew S. Whiteley, Thomas V. Riley
Summary: The high prevalence and diversity of Clostridium difficile in Australian soils suggest that soils play a role in the survival and dissemination of this organism, potentially contributing to its transmission among native wildlife, production animals, and in community and hospital settings.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Peng An Khun, Thomas V. Riley
Summary: This review provides an overview of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in southeast Asia, including its prevalence, detection methods, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and the potential significance of a One Health approach. CDI is a common cause of hospital-acquired gastroenteritis worldwide, with higher rates observed in high-income countries. Lack of knowledge and awareness about CDI, along with antimicrobial abuse and inadequate education on appropriate usage, contribute to its evolution. Underreporting of CDI rates and misuse of antimicrobial agents pose a significant threat in regions like Indochina, while C. difficile RT 017 strain is endemic in southeast Asia.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jianfeng Wang, Chu Yang, Chao Zhang, Xiaoyan Mao, An Lizhe
Summary: In this study, the genome of Clostridium difficile was studied using metagenomic technology, revealing its gene sequence information and potential toxicological genes. Through gene function analysis and pathogenicity analysis, the metabolism activity, catalytic activity, carbohydrate-active enzyme genes and other aspects of the bacterium were understood, and an assessment was made on its virulence genes.
Review
Microbiology
Marta Mattana, Riccardo Tomasello, Claudia Cammarata, Paola Di Carlo, Teresa Fasciana, Giulio Giordano, Alessandro Lucchesi, Sergio Siragusa, Mariasanta Napolitano
Summary: This review analyzed the correlation between coagulation complications related to C. difficile infection and inflammasome activation, particularly the pyrin-dependent one. The evidence suggests that inflammasome activation increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, and inhibition of molecules involved in coagulation activation could block this process. It may be possible to reduce complications and mortality associated with C. difficile infection by reducing inflammatory activity and preventing thromboembolic complications.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ibrahim A. Al-Zahrani
Summary: Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection is a global threat to many healthcare settings. Excessive use of antimicrobials, lack of optimal antibiotic policies, and suboptimal infection control practices have fueled the development of this health issue. Prudent use of antimicrobials and simple infection control measures can significantly reduce infection rates.
SAUDI MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Srijita Basak, Debashrito Deb, Utkarsh Narsaria, Tamalika Kar, Filippo Castiglione, Indraneel Sanyal, Pratap D. Bade, Anurag P. Srivastava
Summary: Clostridium difficile infection is a major health-associated infection with high incidence and mortality rates. A chimeric vaccine candidate was designed using immunoinformatics, which showed stability and reliability in silico and molecular dynamics simulations. Docking studies demonstrated stable interactions with immune receptors, and in silico modeling indicated competent expression in E. coli system for potential immune response.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Gui-Lin Wen, Shi-Hong Li, Zhe Qin, Ya-Jun Yang, Li-Xia Bai, Wen-Bo Ge, Xi-Wang Liu, Jian-Yong Li
Summary: This study isolated and characterized Clostridium difficile strains from clinical diseased dogs and cats, and found that the bacteria were quietly prevalent in pets with varying toxicities and genotypes. The isolates were highly susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole but resistant to erythromycin and ciprofloxacin. The study highlights the importance of studying and paying attention to CDI in pets.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peng An Khun, Long Duc Phi, Huong Thi Thu Bui, Nguyen Thi Bui, Quyen Thi Huyen Vu, Luong Duy Trinh, Deirdre A. Collins, Thomas Riley
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, molecular type, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridioides difficile in the environment in Vietnam. It found that the overall contamination rate of C. difficile was 24.5%, with the highest prevalence in pig farm and hospital soils. C. difficile was also found in pig feces and potato surfaces. These findings highlight the importance of environmental sources in the epidemiology of C. difficile infection in Vietnam.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Marcela Krutova, Tim G. J. de Meij, Fidelma Fitzpatrick, Richard J. Drew, Mark H. Wilcox, Ed J. Kuijper
Summary: This article discusses the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) in the pediatric population. It highlights the characteristics and risks of CDI in children, as well as the effectiveness and indications of different treatment options.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiuxing Li, Jimmy Gu, Hongfen Zhang, Rudi Liu, Wenqing Zhang, Mostafa Mohammed-Elsabagh, Jianrun Xia, Devon Morrison, Sandy Zakaria, Dingran Chang, Amjad Arrabi, Yingfu Li
Summary: A highly specific DNA aptamer for RNase H2 from Clostridium difficile was developed through SELEX, demonstrating its potential for diagnostic tests and drug development.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Meng Wang, Zifeng Deng, Yanmei Li, Yi Ma, Jufang Wang
Summary: A novel lytic protein Cw1-CWB2 with high binding specificity and strong lytic activity has been designed in this study for combating C. difficile.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashleigh S. Paparella, Briana L. Aboulache, Rajesh K. Harijan, Kathryn S. Potts, Peter C. Tyler, Vern L. Schramm
Summary: Clostridium difficile produces toxins TcdA and TcdB causing diarrhea by affecting host cell functions using UDP-glucose, leading to disease onset. Researchers identified potential therapeutic approach using transition state analogue iminosugars.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Ryan M. Hanson, Amy J. Wagner
Summary: Severe, complicated Clostridium difficile colitis is rare in pediatric patients and little is known about its medical and surgical management in this population. A case report of a 15-year-old female patient with severe, complicated C difficile colitis successfully treated with diverting loop ileostomy and colonic lavage is presented. This approach, instead of subtotal colectomy and end ileostomy, should be considered as an alternative for pediatric patients with severe, complicated C difficile colitis.
Letter
Urology & Nephrology
Caroline Dudreuilh, Nicola Kumar, Vicki Moxham, Carolyn Hemsley, Simon Goldenberg, Dimitrios-Anestis Moutzouris
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Economics
Jason Gordon, Oliver Darlington, Phil McEwan, Matthew Lumley, Amer Taie, Meagen Hicks, Claudie Charbonneau, Angela Blake, Neil Hawkins, Simon Goldenberg, Jonathan Otter, Mark Wilcox
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lara Harris, Julia Griem, Alison Gummery, Laura Marsh, Sylviane Defres, Maneesh Bhojak, Kumar Das, Ava Easton, Tom Solomon, Michael Kopelman
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Blair Merrick, Emily Robinson, Catey Bunce, Liz Allen, Karen Bisnauthsing, Chi Chi Izundu, Jordana Bell, Gregory Amos, Manu Shankar-Hari, Anna Goodman, Debbie L. Shawcross, Simon D. Goldenberg
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Josbert J. Keller, Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild, Christian L. Hvas, Simon M. D. Jorgensen, Juozas Kupcinskas, Alexander Link, Chris J. J. Mulder, Simon D. Goldenberg, Ramesh Arasaradnam, Harry Sokol, Antonio Gasbarrini, Christoph Hoegenauer, Elizabeth M. Terveer, Ed J. Kuijper, Perttu Arkkila
UNITED EUROPEAN GASTROENTEROLOGY JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marc F. Osterdahl, Karla A. Lee, Mary Ni Lochlainn, Stuart Wilson, Sam Douthwaite, Rachel Horsfall, Alyce Sheedy, Simon D. Goldenberg, Christopher J. Stanley, Tim D. Spector, Claire J. Steves
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2020)
Letter
Immunology
James R. McIlroy, Benjamin H. Mullish, Simon D. Goldenberg, Gianluca Ianiro, Julian R. Marchesi
CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
B. Merrick, M. K. Tan, K. Bisnauthsing, S. D. Goldenberg
Summary: This study found that patients infected with carbapenem-resistant organisms incur significantly higher healthcare-related costs, with many costs previously being underestimated. Patients infected with carbapenem-resistant organisms have longer hospital stays and increased operating times in theatres compared to patients infected with carbapenem-sensitive organisms.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Josbert J. Keller, Rogier E. Ooijevaar, Christian L. Hvas, Elisabeth M. Terveer, Simone C. Lieberknecht, Christoph Hogenauer, Perttu Arkkila, Harry Sokol, Oleksiy Gridnyev, Francis Megraud, Patrizia K. Kump, Radislav Nakov, Simon D. Goldenberg, Reetta Satokari, Sergiy Tkatch, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Giovanni Cammarota, Andrey Dorofeev, Olena Gubska, Gianluca Laniro, Eero Mattila, Ramesh P. Arasaradnam, Shiv K. Sarin, Ajit Sood, Lorenza Putignani, Laurent Alric, Simon M. D. Baunwall, Juozas Kupcinskas, Alexander Link, Abraham G. Goorhuis, Hein W. Verspaget, Cyriel Ponsioen, Georgina L. Hold, Herbert Tilg, Zain Kassam, Ed J. Kuijper, Antonio Gasbarrini, Chris J. J. Mulder, Horace R. T. Williams, Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild
Summary: Faecal microbiota transplantation is gaining attention as an emerging therapeutic option, with stool banks being established within European regulatory frameworks to provide an important treatment choice for patients.
UNITED EUROPEAN GASTROENTEROLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Surgery
S. M. Y. Chong, R. K. Y. Hung, A. Gwozdz, S. Irwin, J. Eastbury, T. Cross, K. Ahmed, C. Taylor, S. D. Goldenberg, J. Sanderson, J. Olsburgh
Summary: The elective operating framework implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic effectively minimized the risk of contracting the virus, demonstrating that high-risk surgeries can be conducted safely even at the peak of the pandemic by appropriate preoperative screening.
ANNALS OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND
(2021)
Letter
Dermatology
Libin Mathew, Simon D. Goldenberg, Nyree Griffin, Felicity J. Ferguson, Helena Malhomme de la Roche, Isabelle Hay, Ruth C. Lamb, Ellie Rashidghamat
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Blair Merrick, Chrysi Sergaki, Lindsey Edwards, David L. Moyes, Michael Kertanegara, Desiree Prossomariti, Debbie L. Shawcross, Simon D. Goldenberg
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant burden to the global healthcare system, particularly in Gram-negative organisms such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL and CPE). These pathogens have limited treatment options, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Manipulating the gut microbiota through various methods, including diet, probiotics, bacteriophages, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), can effectively restore colonization resistance and limit the spread of AMR organisms.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Sarah Lou Bailey, Christian Buckingham, Hector Maxwell-Scott, Ellie Rashidghamat, Felicity J. Ferguson, Helena Malhomme de la Roche, Simon D. Goldenberg
Summary: This study investigated microbial isolates from active sites in adults with Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and explored associations between organisms isolated, disease severity, and quality of life (QoL). Results showed a lower proportion of Gram-negative organisms and more staphylococcal and streptococcal organisms isolated from sites of disease in individuals with stage 3 disease compared to those with stage 1-2 disease. However, there was no significant association between microbial isolation and QoL.
SKIN APPENDAGE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Blair Merrick, Aravind Gokul Tamilarasan, Raphael Luber, Patrick F. K. Yong, Kuldeep Cheent, Peter M. Irving, Manjula Meda, Simon D. Goldenberg
Summary: Treatment of recurrent Campylobacter infection in CVID patients is limited, with uncertain role of FMT. However, a case of CVID patient treated with repeated FMT resulted in symptom resolution for 18 months before relapse.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Simon D. Goldenberg, Blair Merrick
Summary: Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) involves transferring screened and minimally processed faecal material from a healthy donor to a diseased recipient, and has shown therapeutic potential in various conditions beyond recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). However, challenges such as unclear mechanisms of action, lack of standardization, regulatory disagreements, and limited long-term data hinder its widespread adoption. Further research with rigorous methodology is needed to better understand the utility of FMT for indications beyond CDI.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Syed Iqbal Haider, Naeem Akhtar, Muhammad Saleem, Sheraz Ahmed, Shiza Nadeem, Maham Amjad, Faiz Ul Haq
Summary: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic potential of Raman spectroscopy with rapid urease test and histopathology in diagnosing H. pylori infection. The results showed that Raman spectroscopy had higher sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity compared to the rapid urease test and histopathology. This study demonstrates the applicability of Raman spectroscopy as an innovative detection tool for molecular diagnosis of H. pylori infection in gastritis.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Arati Mane, Reshu Agarwal, Meenu Bajpai, Suvarna Sane, Pallavi Vidhate, Partha Rakshit, Preeti Madan, Hema Gogia, Priya Abraham, Sandhya Kabra, Ekta Gupta
Summary: The present study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of dried blood spot (DBS) for HBsAg and anti-HCV detection using CLIA in three different laboratories across India. DBS can be a simple and convenient alternative to plasma or serum for HBsAg detection, but site-specific validation of the assay is necessary for anti-HCV detection.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Somayeh Yazdanpanah, Maryam Rahbarmah, Marjan Motamedi, Hossein Khodadadi
Summary: This study compared the clinical characteristics of Fungitell and Dynamiker Fungus assays for diagnosing candidemia. The results showed that the DFA assay performed excellently, with high consistency with the FA assay and superior diagnostic performance.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Or Kriger, Natasha Belausov, Shiraz Gefen-Halevi, Nadezda Savieva, Sharon Amit
Summary: This study demonstrates that the usage of preservative-containing urine tubes may inhibit pathogens in low-volume pediatric urine samples, resulting in false-negative results. We advocate for large-scale validations by regulators to ensure result consistency.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Merve Zerey Albayrak, Sureyya Gul Yurtsever, Bilal Olcay Peker, Tuba Muderris, Selcuk Kaya
Summary: This study evaluated the antibody and T cell responses of homologous and heterologous booster doses for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The results showed that individuals who received heterologous boosters had higher antibody levels and higher levels of IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-13.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sibra R. M. Shihab, Bushran N. Iqbal, Shiyamalee Arunasalam, Faseeha Noordeen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of sample-based RNA quality on COVID-19 real-time RT-PCR results. The purity of the extracts and concentration of RNA were found to impact test interpretations. The presence of impurities led to inconclusive test results.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ellen Vancutsem, Florence Crombe, Oriane Soetens, Magali Wautier, Corinna Dordelmann, Denis Pierard, Ingrid Wybo, Thomas Demuyser
Summary: Quantification of EBV DNA is crucial in transplantation settings for post-transplantation diagnosis. This study evaluated the performance of the AltoStar (R) EBV PCR Kit 1.5 on whole blood samples and found it to be reliable and accurate, with good sensitivity and linear range for EBV viral load determination.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nouf K. Almaghlouth, Panagiotis Arvanitis, Kendra Vieira, Abby London, Dimitrios Farmakiotis
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of the Viracor CMV-T-cell immunity Panel (TCIP) in predicting CMV events. The results showed that CMV-specific CD4+ and CD8(+)T-cells were significantly lower in those with CMV events, and the TCIP could be a useful adjunct tool in individualized management of CMV infection.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Linzhen Zhu, Haoting Zhang, Haibo Gu, Jianying Zhou
Summary: This case report describes a 70-year-old male patient with previously unknown immunodeficiency. Multiple pulmonary nodular shadows were observed on radiography. Fungal infection was detected in various samples, and the patient was ultimately diagnosed with disseminated Talaromyces marneffei infection and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The main significance of this study is to emphasize the importance for clinicians to obtain comprehensive specimens from patients presenting with multiple masses in order to ensure accurate clinical diagnosis.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ming Chang, Sambasivan Venkatasubramanian, Holly Barrett, Kevin B. Urdahl, Kris M. Weigel, Gerard A. Cangelosi, Javeed A. Shah, Aparajita Saha, Libing Feng, Kristin N. Adams, David R. Sherman, Nahum Smith, Chetan Seshadri, Sean C. Murphy, James G. Kublin
Summary: Efforts are being made globally to develop vaccines and drugs against M. tuberculosis. This study developed a real-time RT-PCR assay to detect pre-rRNA as a biomarker for bacterial viability. The assay showed promising results in mouse models, indicating its potential in future clinical studies for tuberculosis drugs and vaccines.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Temi Lampejo, Fadia Alsheikh, Declan Crilly, Martin Brown
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Yao Li, Pengfei Shi, Rong Zhu
Summary: This study successfully diagnosed a case of lung abscess caused by Porphyromonas endodontalis using mNGS technology, highlighting the importance of considering inhalation diseases caused by oral pathogens in patients with periodontal diseases and respiratory symptoms.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mariana Quaresma de Souza, Dienefer Venske Bierhals, Ana Julia Reis, Erica Chimara, Julia Silveira Vianna, Andrea von Groll, Pedro Almeida da Silva, Ivy Bastos Ramis
Summary: This study proposed and evaluated a drug susceptibility testing method using 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) as a colorimetric indicator for the clinical relevant non-tuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC), M. avium complex (MAC), and M. kansasii). The results showed high agreement between TTC assay and the recommended broth microdilution method, indicating the potential of TTC as a promising indicator in drug susceptibility testing for NTM.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Shanshan Zhang, Mingyuan Duan, Shuang Li, Jie Hou, Ting Qin, Zhanwei Teng, Jianhe Hu, Huihui Zhang, Xiaojing Xia
Summary: Rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms is crucial for epidemiologic identification, prevention, and control in public health. PCR-based methods have limitations in resource-limited areas due to the need for precise temperature control. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a new nucleic acid amplification technology that can amplify DNA or RNA at a constant temperature, offering simplicity, high specificity and sensitivity, and short detection time. Microfluidic technology combined with RPA enables rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms by integrating nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Piyush Agrawal, Aditya Upadhyay, Awanish Kumar
Summary: Tuberculosis is a lethal infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. During infection, the expression of host microRNAs changes, which could be potential biomarkers for early detection of tuberculosis. Further research is needed to identify potential microRNA biomarkers, but momentum is gaining in this field and microRNAs are expected to become routine approaches for reliable diagnosis and specific therapeutic interventions.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2024)
